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By Mayo Clinic staffMost thyroid nodules don't cause signs or symptoms. Occasionally, however, some nodules become so large that you can:
- Feel them
- See the swelling at the base of your neck
They may become apparent when you're shaving or putting on makeup. Men sometimes become aware of a nodule when their shirt collars suddenly feel too tight.
In some cases, thyroid nodules produce too much thyroxine, a hormone normally secreted by your thyroid gland. The extra thyroxine can cause problems such as:
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Nervousness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Although thyroid nodules are seldom cancerous (malignant), a nodule is more likely to be cancerous if it:
- Grows quickly or feels hard
- Causes you to become hoarse or to have trouble swallowing or breathing
- Causes enlarged lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
When to see a doctor
Although most thyroid nodules are noncancerous (benign) and don't cause problems, ask your doctor to evaluate any unusual swelling in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Also seek medical care if you develop signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as:
- Sudden weight loss even though your appetite is normal or has increased
- A pounding heart
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle weakness
- Nervousness or irritability
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- Approach to the Patient With a Thyroid Nodule. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec12/ch152/ch152b.html?qt=thyroid%20nodules&alt=sh. Accessed Oct. 9, 2008.
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- Lee GA et al. Disorders of the Thyroid Gland. In: Lalwani AK. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2829111. Accessed Dec. 16, 2008.
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